MTConnect® Institute electronic newsletter – Special IMTS Edition

Paul Warndorf, VP of Technology and CTO for AMT, does a great job with the MTConnect Newsletter.  Below is the special IMTS version.


Welcome to the MTConnect® Institute electronic newsletter – Special IMTS Edition

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IMTS 2010 - MTConnect at the Show

There are plenty of opportunities to see MTConnect in action at IMTS 2010.  You can even see it starting to take shape now.

As we get closer to IMTS, you can monitor the construction of the MTConnect live demonstration area that we will be using in the Emerging Technology Center.  To do so, just go to imts.mtconnect.org.  It is recommended that you use Google Chrome or Firefox to view this app.

Please note, some of the equipment that will be connected to the demo is now en route to the show, so it will not show data.  This equipment will start to come online the week before the show. Other equipment that is located elsewhere could be up and running now.

While at the show, here are some of the booths you can also visit to see extended demonstrations of the use of MTConnect:

BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling / Speroni  (Booth W-1600)

Through the use of MTConnect, Speroni Tool Presetters currently allow customers to see in real-time the axis positioning data of their machines. As new features of MTConnect are developed and released, customers will then be able to capture real-time tooling data (including tool numbers, lengths, diameters, etc.) from the presetter. That data can then be transmitted to any MTConnect compliant machining center for a hassle free communication of tooling offsets. This gives customers a savings in setup time, and reduces the potential for manual data entry errors.

Bosch Rexroth Corporation (Booth E-4942)

Bosch Rexroth supports MTConnect in its CNC controllers IndraMotion MTX which supports not only fully digital electric servo and spindle axes, but also hydraulic servo axes. MTConnect data can easily be configured for the axis and machine type desired.

Example implementation will be provided to machine tool OEMs upon request.

Stop by their booth at E-4942, to see Bosch Rexroth's drive and control offerings.

Hurco Companies. Inc. (Booth S-8319)

Hurco machines supports MTConnect, allowing operators to monitor a variety of machine parameters.  MTConnect, in conjunction with Hurco’s ESF software, offers unprecedented flexibility and range of features that allow machine operators to be in complete control of their shop floor.

MTConnect is available on Hurco’s newest machine models, including DCX series high profile dual-column machine centers, as well as on the popular VM and VMX series machines.  Just like previous models, DCX mills use industry-leading ergonomic control, featuring cutting-edge specs and software.  The control offers ease of use and a wide range of capabilities for both conversational and NC programming.

Stop by their booth at S-8319 to see what Hurco has to offer.

I/Gear Online, LLC (Booth N-6146)

In addition to featuring applications in the MTConnect and Cloud Computing exhibits in the Emerging Technology Center, I/Gear’s booth will showcase an intuitive MTConnect monitoring demonstration utilizing live machine data and cloud technology. This entails collecting data from several MTConnect-enabled machine tools at the show and then transporting the data to I/Gear’s cloud infrastructure. The data is then stored, aggregated, and presented via dynamic views and mobile applications.

I/Gear Online redefines monitoring with an “Always On” approach to machine visibility. The benefits of this technology, along with MTConnect, are improved productivity and uptime for manufacturers, more effective servicing of industrial machinery, improved equipment analysis and design, and enhanced communication between the equipment provider and end customer.  I/Gear looks forward to seeing you at booth N-6146 during IMTS 2010!

LNS America, Inc. (Booth S-9272)

The ability to analyze machine conditions in real time can mean the difference between lost, maintained or increased productivity. During the 2010 IMTS Show, LNS will monitor five bar feeds throughout the South Hall, in essence simulating a production facility. The data collected from the bar feeders will be displayed on an array of monitors in the LNS booth (#9272). Analyzing the collected data allows our customers to monitor real time production requirements such as; machine status, active program, parts produced, remaining material, down time, fault condition and more…

Your hectic and demanding schedule doesn’t allow you to be in all places at the same time. Imagine being able to instantly know the status of your machine anytime and from anywhere. This is the power of MTConnect… LNS prides itself in being an industry leader in technology for the machine tool market. “We are committed to provide our customers with the latest technology to reduce costs and increase profits.”

MAG Industrial Automation Systems (Booth S-8519)

The new Freedom eWARE™ software suite from e-tekx will be running in the Emerging Technology Center as well as the MAG booth, displaying real-time productivity data on all MTConnect'd MAG machines at the show, as well as those of some other manufacturers on the network. The eWARE demonstrations will highlight its unique capabilities as the first manufacturing data reporting platform to provide data acquisition, condition monitoring, energy monitoring, and cell control, capable of generating reports and analytics for maintenance, process optimization and OEE.

eWARE is "target independent," capable of collecting data from a variety of plant floor assets without modification to ladder logic or part programming. It is also certified as "networthy" for use by U.S. Department of Defense agencies, armed forces and contractors. e-tekx experts will be demonstrating the software at IMTS on mobile devices such as Blackberry, iPhone, and iPad as well as static terminals, and look forward to showing visitors how they can improve productivity and increase profitability.

Mazak Corporation (Booth S-8300)

Mazak is participating in the ETC live demonstration of MTConnect to monitor one of their many new model machines in their booth. But in addition, they will also support third-party software products that wish to do the same.  In addition to the ETC demonstration, Mazak wants to raise the bar when it comes to solutions that are possible with MTConnect by demonstrating leading-edge applications for this technology.  For instance, they will show a wireless Energy Management Dashboard powered by MTConnect and using monitoring software developed by System Insights, Inc. called viMana. Customers will be able to realize various cost savings based on the location of their facility and the equipment they use at different times of the day.

Mazak has also reached out to their partners and invited them to do the same.  There will be more at the Mazak booth being monitored than just Mazak machines.  Stop by their booth, S-8300, and allow them to share their solutions with you.

Milltronics CNC Machines (Booth S-8327)

Milltronics VM16 is a cost-effective 40 taper vertical machining center with 30 inches of X travel, 16 inches of Y travel and 20 inches of Z travel.  On the VM16 at IMTS 2010, Milltronics will be running a demonstration of the MTConnect protocol for gathering production information from machine tools on the shop floor.  On a laptop next to the VM16, A Simple Client program is running, receiving and displaying data from the machine tool.  The connection between the machine tool and the Simple Client laptop is made over Ethernet, emulating a shop network.

The Simple Client program shows current data from the VM16 including its power status; control mode; control status; program name; alarms; spindle speed; X, Y and Z positions; X, Y and Z feedrates; nominal program feedrate; and the actual M- and G-code block being executed.  The purpose of MTConnect is to give the machine shop manager a good idea what is happening at a tool -- without going out to the floor and taking a look.

Okuma America Corporation (Booth S-8500)

Okuma is continuing its longtime commitment to real-time information sharing at IMTS 2010 with their robust API and partner applications running directly on Okuma’s THINC control.  A major part of this is continuing support of MTConnect by demoing multiple machines running Okuma’s MTConnect adaptor connecting into software partners at the Emerging Technology Center.  So stop by Okuma’s booth S-8500 where the productivity experts are waiting to demonstrate how an Okuma machine tool and its intelligent THINC control can help you improve your operational efficiencies.

OMAX® Corporation (Booth N-6228)

OMAX is participating in the Emerging Technology Center’s demonstration of MTConnect.  An MTConnect Adapter is included as part of the Intelli-MAX® Software Suite that is included with both OMAX Precision Abrasive Waterjet Systems and MAXIEM Waterjets®.  MTConnect data will be provided from one of the two bridges on the OMAX 80X DualBRIDGE System for the demonstration.  OMAX Corporation is the world leader in abrasivejet machining. Manufactured in the USA, the OMAX JetMachining® and MAXIEM Waterjet® lines bring abrasivejet technology to an expanding and diverse group of industries. Their systems are powered by the company's innovative control software, Intelli-MAX®. Customers from machining and fabrication industries benefit from our easy-to-use systems for production runs, tooling, and prototyping.

Optical Gaging Products (OGP) (Booth E-5525)

Optical Gaging Products (OGP®) will use MTConnect over the internet to present measurement data from one of its SmartScope® Flash™ multisensor measurement systems running a closed-loop sequence of pre-programmed part measurement routines at its facility in Rochester, NY.  The system will use video, laser and touch probe sensors to measure important dimensions on a variety of parts. The MTConnect display will show updates from the Flash system as features are automatically measured. OGP is participating with MTConnect because quality control is a critical aspect of the total manufacturing process. The ability to remotely monitor quality measurements along with machine tool operating status will help manufacturers oversee and manage the entire process.  For more information, visit their booth at E-5525.

Parlec, Inc. (Booth W-2300)

Parlec will be displaying a live webcam of their new Mazak Integrex machine that is in production at their Fairport, NY, facility using an Integrated Technology Kiosk.  The touch screen kiosk will display information about MTConnect and its development, as well as tool management solutions by Parlec, and integrated manufacturing solutions by Mazak.

Parlec will be beginning a project with Mazak to identify, track, and measure process improvements of their high-performance toolholder product line utilizing Mazak Integrex and Palletech machines configured with MTConnect adapters and a beta version of the System Insights machine tool monitoring and utilization application viMana. This will also be displayed with an exhibit at the Integrex machine in the Mazak booth.

SCADAware (Booth E-4446)

In SCADAware’s first appearance at IMTS, they will be demonstrating StatusWatch production monitoring software.  StatusWatch will be seen in the MTConnect and Cloud Computing exhibits in the Emerging Technology Center as well as in their own booth (E-4446).  The StatusWatch system will be connected to several live machines simulating a real life shop-floor monitoring solution running “in the cloud.”  Also shown at the SCADAware booth will be several companion products that target efficiency on the manufacturing/assembly line.  Among these are StatusLight (a smart Andon station), LED display boards, and the key to it all, the Visual Factory Configurator.
StatusWatch is the complete package when it comes to monitoring and reporting on the shop floor.  Flexible data collection (using MTConnect and OPC), prebuilt and custom reports, custom functions (including OEE), and email/pager/sms notifications give you the tools you need to meet your lean manufacturing goals.  Stop by their booth, E-4446, to learn more on how StatusWatch and related products can decrease waste and increase your profits!

System Insights (at Mazak Pavilion, (Booth S-8300)

System Insights is debuting viMana, a revolutionary software tool, to achieve dramatic improvements in shop floor performance. With viMana, users can classify and understand the causes of production losses on the shop floor, including machine breakdowns, poor quality, material starvation, and incorrect machine usage. viMana's Manufacturing Learning Engine collects and analyzes data in real-time from myriad disparate data sources throughout the shop floor -- including CNC controllers, PLC controllers and sensors -- and finds hidden patterns and trends that not only identify the sources of production losses, but also indicate the best strategies to decrease and ultimately eliminate them. viMana goes beyond simple data aggregation and helps manufacturers increase device utilization, reduce scrap rates, decrease unplanned downtimes, and improve profitability. viMana is a cloud-based solution and can be deployed on-premises or via the System Insights SaaS offering to fit the IT and economic requirements of enterprises, large and small. You can see live demonstrations of viMana at Mazak's and other partners' booths.

Newsletter

If you would like to submit an “In the News” brief for consideration, please send it to Paul Warndorf at pwarndorf@MTConnect.Hyperoffice.com.

To obtain a copy of MTConnect materials, sign into www.MTConnect.org and go to the download section of the site.  For more information about MTConnect, contact Paul Warndorf at pwarndorf@MTConnect.Hyperoffice.com or mail at MTConnect Institute, 7901 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA, 22102.